Welder
Join and cut metal with MIG, TIG and stick welding for construction and manufacturing.
- $53,750
- 3–18 months
Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Rail Car Repairer
Also called: Carman · Freight Car Repairer · Rail Car Mechanic · Passenger Car Repairer
What rail car repairers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a rail car repairer do?
Rail car repairers diagnose, adjust, repair or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars or mass transit rail cars. The median pay is $67,530 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–3 years of training, and employment is projected to grow +2.6% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$67,530$32.46/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+2.6%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year1,600Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train1–3 years of trainingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs20,100Employment, 2025
What rail car repairers do
Rail car repairers keep trains rolling safely. They inspect wheels, brakes, couplers and car bodies, repair or replace parts, weld and fabricate, test air brakes and make sure cars meet federal safety rules before they leave the yard.
A high school diploma and long-term on-the-job training are typical; railroads often run apprenticeships. BLS projects about average growth, and many jobs are union positions with strong benefits.
Typical duties
- Inspect rail cars
- Repair brakes and couplers
- Replace wheels and bearings
- Weld and fabricate parts
- Test air brakes
- Repair car bodies
- Document FRA inspections
Work environment and schedule
Repairers work in rail yards and repair shops, often outdoors.
Schedule: Full time, with shifts covering nights, weekends and holidays.
A day in the life
- Get assignments at the shop.
- Inspect cars in the yard.
- Replace a brake shoe.
- Weld a damaged ladder.
See a full day in the life of a rail car repairer →
Rail Car Repairer salary
Half of rail car repairers earned more than $67,530 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $46,800 for the lowest 10% to $95,100 for the top 10%.
Full rail car repairer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a rail car repairer
- Finish high school
- Learn welding
- Get hired by a railroad or shop
- Complete training
- Advance
A high school diploma and long-term on-the-job training or an apprenticeship are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a rail car repairer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Air brake systems
- Welding
- Wheel and bearing replacement
- Coupler repair
- FRA rules
People skills
- Safety awareness
- Reliability
- Teamwork
- Attention to detail
All rail car repairer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Union pay and benefits
- No degree needed
- Steady freight demand
- Variety of repairs
Cons
- Outdoor work in all weather
- Heavy parts
- Shift work
- Yard hazards
Certifications and licenses
- FRA brake inspection qualification: Required for brake tests.
- AWS welding certification: Valued.
- Railroad apprenticeship: Common path.
- Forklift certification: Helpful.
Career path
- Helper: Entry.
- Carman: Repair.
- Lead Carman: Lead crews.
- Car Shop Foreman: Run shop.
Learn the job before day one
Our Rail Car Repairer training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as inspect a freight car before departure and work under blue flag protection, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Diesel Mechanic
Diagnose and repair trucks, buses and diesel-powered equipment.
- $61,770
- 6–24 months
Transportation Equipment Electrician
Install and repair electrical systems on trains, ships, buses and other vehicles.
- $84,890
- Training program plus months on the job
Locomotive Engineer
Operate freight and passenger trains safely across the rail network.
- $81,410
- 1–2 years including conductor time
Compare: Rail Car Repairer vs. Welder · Rail Car Repairer vs. Diesel Mechanic · Rail Car Repairer vs. Transportation Electrician · Rail Car Repairer vs. Locomotive Engineer
Rail Car Repairer FAQ
Do rail car repairers need a degree?
No.
Are jobs union?
Many are.
Is welding needed?
Often, yes.
How much does a rail car repairer make?
The median annual wage for rail car repairers was $67,530 ($32.46 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $46,800 and the highest 10% earned more than $95,100.
How long does it take to become a rail car repairer?
Most people need about 1–3 years of training of training. A high school diploma and long-term on-the-job training or an apprenticeship are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a rail car repairer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.
More rail car repairer questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-3043 (Rail car repairers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Rail car repairers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.